HJR 32 -- CREATION OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH DISTRICTS

CO-SPONSORS:  O'Connor, Carter

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government and Related Matters by a vote of 18 to 0.

This proposed constitutional amendment allows a governing body
of any county or governing bodies of counties jointly to create
a district for the purpose of promoting and providing community
mental health services.  A district would be administered by a
governing body appointed by a governing body of a county or
governing bodies of counties.

The governing body of the district can levy a tax on real
property not exceeding a rate of 10 cents per $100 assessed
valuation.  A majority of the voters of a district are required
to approve any additional levy, which cannot exceed a total
district levy of 40 cents per $100 assessed valuation.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$39,900 in FY 2001.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill will help provide for
persons with mental health problems.  State funds for these
programs have been cut over the past few years.  Suicides have
increased in recent years and additional money is needed to
prevent this problem.

Testifying for the bill were Representative O'Connor; Missouri
Mental Health Consumers Network; Mental Health Association of
Greater St. Louis; Missouri Coalition of Mental Health Centers;
National Alliance for The Mentally Ill of Missouri; and
Department of Mental Health.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HJR 32 -- Creation of Community Mental Health Districts

Co-Sponsors:  O'Connor, Carter

This proposed constitutional amendment allows a governing body
of any county or governing bodies of counties jointly to create
a district for the purpose of promoting and providing community
mental health services.  A district would be administered by a
governing body appointed by a governing body of a county or
governing bodies of counties.

The governing body of the district can levy a tax on real
property not exceeding a rate of 10 cents per $100 assessed
valuation.  A majority of the voters of a district are required
to approve any additional levy, which cannot exceed a total
district levy of 40 cents per $100 assessed valuation.